Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU) has conducted its annual staff retreat in Kenema District, focusing on enhancing its operational efficiency and effectiveness. During the retreat, the team developed its Strategic Plan for 2025-2030, which is anchored on three key pillars identified as essential drivers for implementing public sector initiatives.
The management emphasized the importance of aligning these pillars with policy targets outlined in the Medium-Term National Development Plan and the Public Service Transformation Strategy.
Albert Williams, Chief Administrator of Programs at PSRU, highlighted the integration of achievements from the “Makambo Declaration,” established in 2021. He noted that 80% of the goals previously set have been met under the leadership of Director Suliaman Phoray-Musa, while the remaining objectives depend on collaboration with external entities, including various ministries, departments, and agencies.
The strategic plan is designed to focus on high-level outcomes that will improve the implementation of reform initiatives outlined in Cluster 5.5, “Transforming the Public Service Architecture,” of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030).
Idrissa Koroma, Head of Institutional Reforms, elaborated on the plan’s goals, which include structural alignment and rationalization of mandates within the public service, as well as human resource management, manpower planning, and public sector coordination.
Koroma explained that the structural alignment of the PSRU’s mandate involves adjusting organizational frameworks and processes within the public sector to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability. This realignment aims to ensure public sector organizations better meet their strategic goals and objectives.
“Revamping the Public Service Architecture,” as articulated in the New Direction Manifesto of 2023, is deemed critical. A responsive and professional public service capable of effectively implementing government programs will facilitate the achievement of overarching policy objectives. To mitigate the risks associated with siloed institutional operations, public sector reforms must be centralized and well-coordinated.
To achieve these strategic objectives, the plan aligns with the Public Sector Transformation Strategy, which aims to provide a framework for coordinating and implementing key policy targets set forth in Cluster 5.5 of the new Medium-Term National Development Plan (2025-2030). The focus encompasses strategic direction and thematic elements such as Strategic Alignment of MDAs, Human Resource Management, Public Sector Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation, Pay and Incentives, E-Governance, Gender and Social Inclusion, and Communications and Citizen Engagement.
During the retreat, Director Suliaman Phoray-Musa addressed the staff and invited dignitaries at Hotel Alberton in Nongowa, Kenema District, from December 5-7, 2024. He outlined the priorities of the PSRU and its commitment to leading reforms in Sierra Leone in alignment with the government’s development priorities.
The Strategic Plan was crafted by the new development framework for the Government of Sierra Leone, highlighting its development agenda and detailing interventions across all economic sectors.
Phoray-Musa acknowledged that while the previous Strategic Plan (2019-2023) addressed several challenges related to service delivery efficiency by MDAs, the PSRU was able to provide critical technical support to these entities and enhance engagement with various policy environments within the public service. The PSRU looks forward to further aligning its efforts with the Government’s New Agenda for reforms outlined in Cluster Four: “Revamping the Public Sector Architecture.”
He elaborated that the institution has made significant strides in managing financial resources, particularly through government subventions. As a result of Management Functional Reviews (MFRs), the PSRU has achieved substantial cost savings.
Looking ahead, Phoray-Musa indicated that over the next five years, the PSRU will collaborate closely with the newly renamed Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs. In this restructured arrangement, the PSRU will serve as the primary implementing arm for key public sector reforms, maintaining direct connections to the Presidential Delivery Unit on Public Sector Reforms within the Office of the President.
John Sumailah, Secretary to the Cabinet, commented on the importance of creating a strategic plan that is both homegrown and collectively owned by all stakeholders. He emphasized that the true challenge lies in effective implementation and that a shared commitment is crucial for the successful realization of the strategic plan.
Sumailah expressed satisfaction with the structure and outcomes of the discussions held during the retreat, particularly concerning the emphasis on effective communication within the public sector and the need for approval from a Sharing Committee on management and functional reviews.
He raised questions regarding the practical impacts of generated reports on service delivery and program contributions. Additionally, he called for enhanced utilization of data and technology in monitoring and evaluation, highlighting the necessity of clearly defined budget templates and activities to bolster planning efforts.
Madam Renisa Beckley, Head Cooperate Services, PSRU informed staff about the Code of Conduct and Ethics for the PSRU, stressing the government’s commitment to fostering an environment where individuals and businesses can thrive. She underscored that PSRU plays a critical role in realizing this vision by fostering a culture of service excellence built on strong relationships among staff and with clients, rooted in trust and a commitment to professional conduct by public sector employees.